Walmart to phase out synthetic dyes in its US private label food brands

"The big box retailer is the latest company to join a slew of others to cut back on additives under White House pressure. Walmart will remove synthetic dyes from its private-label foods in the United States, including the Great Value and Bettergoods brands, by January 2027. The big box retailer's decision, announced on Wednesday, is the latest in a slew made by several other companies amid pressure from President Donald Trump's administration to drop dyes from food products."

"Major packaged food makers, including PepsiCo, Campbell's and Conagra Brands, have made similar announcements in recent months in response to the administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has cracked down on ultra-processed food and chemical additives, saying they have led to a national crisis of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism."

"Walmart also plans to eliminate more than 30 other ingredients such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes from its private-label assortment. The company said the move reflected consumer demand for simpler, more transparent ingredients, adding that 90 percent of its private-brand foods are currently free of synthetic dyes. Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients and we've listened, Walmart US President John Furner said."

Walmart will remove synthetic dyes from its U.S. private-label foods, including Great Value and Bettergoods, by January 2027. The retailer will also eliminate more than 30 ingredients such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes from its private-brand assortment. The moves align with similar announcements by major packaged-food makers responding to the White House Make America Healthy Again initiative. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has targeted ultra-processed food and chemical additives, linking them to childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental conditions. Walmart said 90 percent of its private-brand foods are already free of synthetic dyes and is working with suppliers to reformulate products.

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